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A 

NARRATIVE OF THE VISIT 



OF THEIR 



MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTIES 

WILLIAM IV. AND QUEEN ADELAIDE, 

TO THE 

ANCIENT BOROUGH OF LEWES, 

ON THE 22d OF OCTOBER, 

1830. 



GIDEON MA^TELL, F.R.S. 

Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons ; of the Linnean and Geological 

Societies of London ; Honorary Member of the Philomatic Society of 

Paris ; of the Scientific Institutions of Portsea, Canterbury, <&c. 

Author of "The Illustrations of the Geology of Sussex." 

" The Fossils of Tilgate Forest ;" &c. ckc. 



Go fo.th, my little book, to future times 

Transmit the record of this glorious day. Axon. 



LONDON : 

LUPTON RELFE, 17, CORNHILL. 

1831. 









LONDON: 

J. Unwin, Printer, White Lion Court, 
Cornliill. 




TO 



SIR THOMAS MANTELL, F.S.A. F.L.S. 

LATE 

MAYOR OF DOVER, 

AUTHOR OF VARIOUS WORKS ON THE 

CINQUE PORTS, 
&c. &c. 

$Tf)i0 Volume te inuvibtu, 

WITH EVERY SENTIMENT OF RESPECT AND ESTEEM, 

BY HIS FAITHFUL AND AFFECTIONATE FRIEND, 

THE AUTHOR 



Castle Place, Lewes, 
March, 1831. 



TO 



GEORGE GRANTHAM, JUNIOR, ESQUIRE, 



ONE OF THE CHIEF OFFICERS 



OP THE 



BOROUGH OF LEWES. 



My dear Friend, 
Feeling with you, that the late visit of their most 
gracious Majesties should be more permanently 
recorded than in the columns of a newspaper, I 
have been induced to compile, from the provincial 
journals, an account of the proceedings of a day, 
which must ever be considered as one of the most 
important in the annals of our native town. 



VI 



i" have added a brief notice of the only other 
royal visit, on record, since the Conquest* — that 
of Henry III., in 1264, as affording an interest- 
ing contrast with the gratifying spectacle which 
it was our good fortune to witness : and it is 
worthy of remark, that the visits of both Monarchs, 
although nearly six centuries intervened, were 
followed by a reform in the representation of 
of the people. 

Harassed by professional duties, and unaccus- 
tomed to this kind of composition, I feel that I 
have but ill executed the grateful task, which I 
took upon myself, because no other person would 
undertake it. You well know, that although I 
have often appeared as an author, my literary 
labours have been confined to works on scientific, 
or professional subjects ; and I fear that you 



* Edward I. is said to have visited John, Earl of Warren, at 
Lewes, in 1289, hut no particulars of the royal sojourn are recorded. 



Vll 

will think my bad prose, and worse poetry, exem- 
plify the truth of the aphorism, — 

" He who attempts many things will excel in none." 

But, however this may be, I yield to no one in 
loyalty to my Sovereign, and attachment to my 
friends, amongst whom I have the happiness to 
rank you, as one of the earliest and best. 

Believe me ever, 

Most faithfully yours, 

GIDEON MANTELL. 



A 

NARRATIVE OF THE VISIT 

or 

WILLIAM IV. 

AND 

QUEEN ADELAIDE, 

TO THE 

ANCIENT BOROUGH OF LEWES, 

OCTOBER 22, 1830. 



His most gracious Majesty, our beloved sovereign, 
William the Fourth, ascended the throne on the 
26th of June, 1830, and shortly afterwards, upon 
the occasion of the high constable of Brighton 
presenting an address of congratulation from the 
inhabitants of that town, his Majesty was graciously 
pleased to signify his intention of taking up his 
residence in the Pavilion, for a certain portion of 
time in every year. 

On the 30th of August, his Majesty, accompanied 
by his consort Queen Adelaide, made his public 
entree into Brighton, amidst the acclamations of 



tens of thousands of loyal and delighted subjects. 
Among- the almost countless throng that welcomed 
their Majesties on that joyous occasion, were thou- 
sands of the inhabitants of Lewes and its vicinity, 
whose loyalty and dutiful attachment to their 
sovereign, were most unequivocally and enthusias- 
tically displayed. Early on the morning of that 
day, the carriages of the wealthy, and the more 
humble vehicles of the tradespeople and yeomanry, 
the stage-coaches crowded with well-dressed pas- 
sengers, and the poor in their holiday-clothes, 
trudging on foot, were seen pouring out of Lewes 
and the villages around it, all hastening towards 
Brighton, anxious to welcome the arrival of a monarch 
from whose well-known generous, liberal, and manly 
character they confidently anticipated a vigorous 
and paternal reign. Yet animating and gratifying 
as was the scene which Brighton presented on that 
occasion, it was equalled, if not surpassed, by 
that which it is our immediate purpose to record. 

In September, the inhabitants of Lewes held a 
town meeting, and unanimously resolved upon 
addresses of condolence and congratulation to their 
Majesties upon their accession to the throne ; and 
which were subsequently transmitted to their 
Majesties, through the proper channel, by the then 



chief officers, Benjamin Ridge, Esquire, and Mr. 
George Bailey. 

As the weather was extremely fine, and their 
Majesties were daily taking carriage-airings around 
Brighton, and the- drive to Lewes is one of the 
most easy and pleasing in the vicinity, it was hoped 
and expected that this ancient borough would be 
honoured by the royal presence ; and on many 
occasions the good people of Lewes had their ex- 
pectations raised, and as often disappointed, by 
reports that the King and Queen were about to visit 
the Castle, County-hall, and Museum. The anxiety 
which prevailed on this subject among all classes, 
induced some gentlemen of the town to communicate 
to Mr. Kemp, one of the representatives of the 
borough in Parliament, the anxious wishes of his 
constituents ; and on Wednesday, the 20th of October, 
the chief officers,* Mr. Adams and Mr. George 
Grantham, Junior, received a letter from that gen- 
tleman, informing them that the King had expressed 
his intention of honouring Lewes with a visit on 
the following Friday. This joyous intelligence was 
immediately made known, and the constables 
promptly convened a town meeting, to which the 

* Lewes is a borough by prescription, and the constables (who are 
chosen annually) are the chief magistrates and returning officers. 

c2 



officers and inhabitants of the Cliffe and Southover 
were invited. At this meeting-, which was most 
respectably and numerously attended, Mr. Adams, 
the senior chief magistrate presided, (being supported 
by his colleague Mr. Grantham,) and having briefly 
opened the business of the day, the town clerk read 
the letter received from Mr. Kemp, which announced 
his Majesty's intention to visit Lewes, with his 
royal consort, on Friday; this intelligence was 
received with the loudest acclamations. A com- 
mittee of management was then appointed, and it 
was resolved that the various public bodies of the 
town, the Cliffe, and Southover should be requested 
to attend on so gratifying an occasion. It was 
highly pleasing to observe how entirely all party 
animosities were lost, in this instance, in the 
feelings of loyalty and attachment to their Majesties, 
which pervaded every breast. Sir John Shelley, 
Baronet, and Thomas Read Kemp, Esquire, the 
members of the borough, who were present at the 
meeting, left so soon as it broke up, to confer with 
Sir Herbert Taylor on the necessary arrangements. 
The committee of management immediately com- 
menced its duties, and was actively engaged during 
the remainder of the day in making preparations 
for the reception of the royal visitors. 



On Thursday, at two o'clock, a meeting- of the 
committee took place, and it was then made known 
that instructions had been received from Sir Herbert 
Taylor, that their Majesties would enter the town 
at two o'clock on Friday. A programme of the 
order to be observed, on the arrival of their Majesties, 
was prepared, and Mr. Harry Winton was appointed 
to take the entire direction of the procession. In 
the afternoon, the town presented a most gratifying 
scene of animation and hilarity ; every one ex- 
pressing the liveliest pleasure at the anticipated 
honor, and at every house in the line through 
which the royal visitors were expected to pass, 
preparations were making for decorating the win- 
dows and doors, according to the taste and ability 
of the inhabitant. 

Early on Friday morning, the greatest bustle 
prevailed ; flags and banners, with appropriate in- 
scriptions, were hoisted in various places, and the 
houses were ornamented with laurels and evergreens 
intertwined with streamers, and festoons of flowers. 
Some anxiety had been felt lest the weather should 
be unfavourable ; but the morning dawned most 
cheeringly, and the day proved to be one of the 
most delightful ever remembered in October, and, 
as a countryman remarked, " seemed as if made on 



6 

purpose." In truth, every thing conspired to give 
a zest to this auspicious day. It was a general 
holiday; and during the morning the population 
from the surrounding villages came pouring into 
Lewes from all quarters. There were also many 
strangers, called from different parts of the county, 
to attend the quarter sessions, which fell on this 
day. There was a full attendance of magistrates, 
but the court was adjourned till four o'clock in the 
afternoon, that these gentlemen might have an 
opportunity of paying their respects to their so- 
vereign. 

As the expected hour for the arrival of their 
Majesties approached, the streets began to exhibit 
a most lively and pleasing scene. Soon after twelve, 
the members of the various societies and charitable 
institutions began to assemble, and proceeded, with 
the utmost order and regularity, to their appointed 
stations, preceded by their flags and banners. The 
children of the public schools were arranged on the 
causeway, at the entrance of the town ; the infant 
schools being placed, for better security, in St. Ann's 
church-yard, from whence they commanded a view 
of the scene, without risk of injury from the crowd. 
The different societies formed an uninterrupted line 
on each side of the road, from the boundary of the 



town near Saint Anne's church, to The Friars* the 
residence of Nehemiah Wimble, Esquire, where an 
elegant dejeune a la fourchette was provided, at the 
expense of the representatives of the borough. On 
the lawn, at the entrance of the mansion, the magis- 
trates and clergy were assembled. The carriage- 
road was thus left clear for the royal cortege, and 
the foot-paths were filled with spectators. The 
societies were placed in the following order : — 

North Side. South Side. 

Lewes Friendly Society. Amicable Society. 

The Stag Club. Dorset Arms Club. 

Carpenters' Club. The Fountain Club. 

Pelham Arms Club. The Curriers. 

Wheatsheaf Club. King's Arms Club. 

The Veterans. Old Ship Club. 

The White Lion Club. Freemasons of the South Saxon 

Odd Fellows' Club. Lodge. 

Lewes Mechanics' Institution. 

Officers of the Cliffe. 

Commissioners and other inhabitants of the Cliffe. 

Officers and inhabitants of Southover. 

The delegates from the several societies, who were members of 
the committee, carried white wands, and were arranged in their 
respective societies. 

* The Friars. This mansion is of considerable antiquity, and 
is built on the scite of a priory of Grey Friars, which, at the period 
of a former royal visit, that of Henry the Third, in 1264, rose in 
all the magnificence of gothic splendour. 



8 

Their Majesties left the palace at Brighton pre- 
cisely at half past twelve, in an open carriage, with 
outriders, the attendants wearing the splendid royal 
scarlet livery : two other carriages and four followed, 
and the royal party proceeded at a brisk pace 
towards Lewes. Soon after one, the approach of 
their Majesties was announced to the anxious multi- 
tude, who were impatiently expecting the royal 
visitors, by a signal flag, on the steeple of Saint 
Anne's church : this was answered by a national 
standard on the venerable turrets of the castle, and 
a royal salute commenced firing from cannon placed 
on the Brack Mount, and on the slope of Cliffe 
Hill that commands the town. Royal standards 
were also, at the same time, hoisted on the County 
Hall, on the Market Tower, at the Friars, and on the 
towers of the churches in the Cliffe and Southover. 
Expectation was now raised to the highest pitch ; 
every window was crowded with elegantly-dressed 
females, and every countenance was beaming with 
delight. The representatives of the borough, and 
the chief magistrates, then proceeded on horseback 
along the Brighton road, and met the royal party 
opposite the scite of the barracks. His Majesty 
received them in the most kind and condescending 
manner and, addressing the constables, said, " Gen- 



tlemen, I place myself under your protection ;" the 
cavalcade then proceeded towards the town. 

The attention of their Majesties was first attracted 
by the children of the Lancastrian school, between 
four and five hundred in number, who were placed, 
as above mentioned, near the cross-ways at the 
'Spital, and whose spontaneous shouts, and waving 
of hats and handkerchiefs, appeared to gratify their 
Majesties, who most affably noticed the delighted 
children. 

At the western entrance of Lewes, the royal 
cortege was met by the committee of management, 
the town commissioners, and a dense crowd of 
spectators ; and King William the Fourth and Queen 
Adelaide, were received within the walls of our an- 
cient borough, amidst the enthusiastic acclamations 
of thousands of loyal, and delighted subjects. 

The cavalcade then proceeded along the High 
Street, at a foot pace, in the following order : — 



Sir John Shelley, Baronet, and T. R. Kemp, Esquire, 

on horseback. 

The chief officers, 

on horseback. 

Headborough. THE ROYAL CARRIAGES. Headborough. 

First Carriage. 

THE KING— THE QUEEN. 

Duke of Cambridge — Princess Augusta. 



10 



Second Carriage. 

Countess Howe — Countess Brownlow. 

Earl Howe — Earl Brownlow. 

Third Carriage. 

Miss D'Este — Captain Fitzclarence. 

MissWynyard — Mr. Davis. 

On horseback, 

Sir Augustus D'Este. 

Mr. Fitzclarence — Mr. Sinclair. 

Town Crier. 

Town Clerk and Magistrates' Clerk, with wands. 

Commissioners' Clerk. 

Commissioners, with wands. 



As the royal carriages moved down the town, 
the several societies uncovered and cheered their 
Majesties as they passed by, in a manner as imposing 
as it was novel : at certain distances, signals were 
given, and the different bodies cheered after the 
manner of firing by platoons on field-days, while 
the dense crowd of the people maintained a general 
huzza. From every window flags, streamers, laurel- 
boughs, &c. were waving ; their Majesties conde- 
scendingly returning the salutation of the ladies as 
they passed. 



' ' You would have thought the very windows spake. 
So many greedy looks of young and old 
Through casements darted their desiring eyes." 

Shakspearc. 



11 

The thundering of the cannon, and the ringing of 
the bells of the different churches, heightened the 
effect of a scene, of which it is impossible to convey 
an adequate idea. On the arrival of their Majesties 
at the Friars, the band struck up the national air, 
the immense assemblage of spectators standing un- 
covered, and the royal visitors alighted amidst as 
enthusiastic shouts of loyalty and affection, as ever 
greeted the monarch of a free people. 

The committee of management and the town com- 
missioners formed an avenue from the carriages to 
the gate of the Friars, where their Majesties were 
received by Lord Howe and Lord Brownlow, the 
Lords in waiting ; Sir John, Lady, and Miss Shelley, 
and Mr. and Miss Kemp. 

Her Majesty, on alighting, immediately shook 
hands most cordially with Lady Shelley, and the 
royal party were conducted towards the house. On 
one side of the pathway stood, uncovered, the magis- 
trates of the Lewes division, in number about thirty ; 
on the other side were the clergy of the borough, in 
their canonicals, and the ministers of the various 
dissenting congregations in the town. Their Majes- 
ties received and returned the respects of the 
assembled gentry with great kindness and con- 
descension, and slowly passing on, were met at the 

d 2 



12 

portal of the mansion by the chief magistrates, (who 
had alighted and taken their station on each side 
the entrance,) and Mr. Wimble. The King then 
graciously gave his arm to Lady Shelley, and pro- 
ceeded towards the drawing room ; the Queen, 
conducted by the Earl of Chichester, following 
his Majesty; next came her Royal Highness the 
Princess Augusta, led by his Royal Highness the 
Duke of Cambridge, who were followed by their 
Majesties' suite. 

The two chief officers of the borough, Mr. G. 
Adams and Mr. G. Grantham, junior, were then 
presented to his Majesty, when Mr. Adams addressed 
the King as follows : — 

" May it please your Majesty, 

" We, the chief officers of this ancient borough, 
are deputed by our fellow townsmen to offer their 
heartfelt thanks to your Majesty, for condescending, 
with your Royal Consort, to honour this borough 
with your royal presence. Your Majesty has per- 
ceived, from the appearance of our town and its 
inhabitants, that we are for the greater part a plain, 
trading people ; and when your Majesty is informed 
that there has not been a British monarch within 
the precincts of our borough for nearly 600 years, 
we humbly trust your Majesty will pardon our 



13 

plainness of manner, and believe us when we say 
that the congratulations upon this joyful event, from 
the various orders of society amongst us, are the spon- 
taneous effusion of a loyal and grateful people ; and 
our prayer is, that the Almighty will bless your 
Majesty and Royal Consort with long, very long life, 
to reign over this free and enlightened nation." 

To which his Majesty most graciously conde- 
scended to reply, in substance, as follows : — 

" Gentlemen, — I thank you, as the chief officers of 
this ancient town, for the affectionate manner in which 
you have been pleased to address me on the occasion of 
my visit amongst you. You state that a great part of 
your townsmen are plain trading people ; the more 
I am acquainted with my subjects, the more I am 
convinced, that it is their plainness of manner and 
industrious habits that render this nation superior to 
any other. You also state, that for the space of 
nearly 600 years, no British King has visited your 
town ; I am happy to be the first after such a lapse 
of time ; and the reception I have met with to-day 
will be strongly impressed on my recollection, and it 
will ever add to my happiness to render myself 
useful to all classes of my subjects." 

After the presentation of the constables, Sir John 
Shelley requested permission to present the magis- 



14 

trates assembled at the quarter sessions. The chair- 
man, Mr. Partington, was first introduced, and then 
the magistrates in succession, to each of whom his 
Majesty addressed a few words. Sir John next pre- 
sented the clergy, and the dissenting ministers of 
the different parishes and congregations in Lewes. 

After the presentation of the clergymen, Mr. 
Mantell, of Castle Place, was introduced to his 
Majesty by Sir John Shelley, and, bending on one 
knee, addressed his Majesty as follows : — 

" Sire, — From your Majesty's gracious conde- 
scension, in having deigned, on a former occasion, 
to accept of my works on the Geology of Sussex,* 
I am induced to hope that your Majesty, on this 
most gratifying occasion, will permit me to lay 
at your feet, the history of this my native town." 

Mr. Mantell then had the honour to present the 
work (The History of Lewes, 2 vols. 4to.), which 
his Majesty received in the most gracious and con- 
descending manner. 

Mr. Nehemiah Wimble, the owner of the mansion 
honoured by the presence of their Majesties, was 
next presented. 

* Mr. Mantell, some time previously, had the honour to present 
to his Majesty the "Illustrations of the Geology of Sussex," and 
" The Fossils of Tilgate Forest," two volumes, royal 4to. 




15 

At the conclusion of this ceremony, his Majesty 
conversed freely with those around him, making 
honourable mention of the late possessor of the 
Friars, Sir Ferdinando Poole, whose excellent spirits 
and hospitable manners he remembered with great 
pleasure. 

Sir John Shelley and Mr. Kemp then invited his 
Majesty to a luncheon, which had been prepared in 
the dining-room ; when the King directed Sir John 
to conduct the Queen, while he himself handed in 
Lady Shelley, placing her on his right hand, and the 
Princess on his left, directing the Earl of Chichester 
to sit by her, and the Duke of Cambridge on the 
right of Lady Shelley. His Majesty directed Mr. 
Kemp to take the left of the Queen. The party 
at the royal table included also Lord and Lady 
Chichester, Lord and Lady Gage, Lord and Lady 
Sheffield, Sir George and Lady Shiffner, the 
Misses Shiffner, Miss Kemp, the Misses Shelley ; 
and the royal suite, Miss Wynyard, Lord Howe, 
Lord Brownlow, Count D'Este, Capt. F. Fitzclarence, 
&c. &c. 

After the royal visitors had partaken of refresh- 
ment, Sir John Shelley rose, and in giving the 
health of their Majesties, spoke as follows : — 

" As the oldest representative of this borough, it 



16 

becomes my duty, certainly the most delightful one 
I ever had to perform, to propose the health of their 
Majesties ; and most sincerely do I thank them in 
my own name, and in that of my worthy colleague, 
Mr. Kemp, for the high honour they have this day 
conferred upon the town of Lewes by their presence. 
This visit of their Majesties, has afforded an oppor- 
tunity to the inhabitants of personally beholding 
their King and Queen, and will tend to strengthen 
those feelings of loyalty and attachment to the 
throne, which they have already expressed in their 
addresses, through the secretary of state. I must 
also beg to add, though with much diffidence, that 
having witnessed, and indeed stood, six contested 
elections for this borough, most of them very severe 
contests, I may presume to be a judge of the strong 
political feelings which have hitherto existed here ; 
and it is with unspeakable delight that I have wit- 
nessed this day, what I never witnessed on any 
former occasion, the most perfect unanimity, and 
the greatest eagerness to express feelings of loyalty 
and attachment to their Majesties ; feelings, which 
I am sure exist in the breast of every true 
Englishman, from one end of the kingdom to the 
other. I feel that it would be worse than imperti- 
nence in me to attempt to eulogize the conduct of 



17 

their Majesties in their presence, I will, therefore, 
only add, that their deeds speak for themselves. I 
beg leave to propose the health of their Majesties, 
and may they who so largely contribute to the hap- 
piness of their subjects, live long to enjoy it them- 
selves." 

Mr. Kemp then rose, and addressed his Majesty 
in the following terms : — 

" Your Majesty will pardon me, if I venture to 
trespass on your time and patience ; but the dis- 
tinguished honour you have this day been pleased 
to confer on the inhabitants of the ancient borough, 
which I have the happiness to represent, and on 
Sir John Shelley and myself, by your gracious visit, 
will not permit me to lose this opportunity of 
expressing my perfect accordance with those senti- 
ments of loyal attachment and affection to your royal 
person, which have been declared by my honourable 
colleague, and which pervade all classes of our con- 
stituents ; as well as the great satisfaction I feel, in 
common with all, in beholding your Majesty now 
reigning in the presence, as you have before done in 
the hearts, of the people of this town. 

" It is, Sire, between 500 and 600 years since a 
King of England has been recorded to have entered 
within the walls of this town. The last king who is 

E 



18 

known to have visited it, was Henry III. He 
entered it under circumstances, strongly contrasted 
with those which, for the honour and happiness of 
the empire, mark the steps of your Majesty. Henry 
III., after the battle of Lewes, was forced, by the 
virtuous barons, fighting for the liberties of their 
country, to seek refuge within the walls of the 
castle at this place ; and, driven from thence, he 
was soon compelled to grant some of those privi- 
leges to the commons of the land, which led to the 
establishment of the Commons' House of Parliament, 
to which we owe our free constitution and liberty ; 
and to secure those privileges, we have the happiness 
of beholding your Majesty's royal house firmly esta- 
blished upon the throne of these realms, and which 
has led to the prosperity and happiness of the land. 
" Sire, in these eventful periods, the inhabitants of 
Lewes know how to value the reign and presence of 
a constitutional and patriotic monarch ; and whilst 
beholding the truly British character and virtues of 
their King and Queen, I have the fullest confidence, 
as well as the greatest pleasure, in venturing, in the 
name of my constituents, to drink, with the purest 
sincerity and devotion, the toast which my honour- 
able colleague has proposed, wishing your Majesties 
all health, prosperity, and happiness." 



19 

After Mr. Kemp had concluded, his Majesty, sit- 
ting at the table, spoke nearly as follows : — 

" In returning an answer to that which you, Sir, 
have just spoken, I cannot help noticing, in the first 
place, the expression which you have made use of, 
that you now thank me for the bestowment of my 
time upon the present occasion. In reflecting upon 
the blessings which this country possesses, and in 
feeling grateful for them, it is always to be remem- 
bered, that our time is to be devoted to those duties 
which belong to us in our several stations of life, in 
order that we may enjoy all those blessings entire 
whilst we live, and hand them down, unimpaired, to 
those by whom we shall be succeeded. I can assure 
you that I feel always, and it is a principle firmly 
fixed upon my mind, that the time of the Sovereign 
is due to the nation over which he is called to reign, 
and that my time is always well bestowed in further- 
ing the happiness and interests of my people. 

" It certainly is a circumstance well worthy of 
remark, that so long a period as 600 years should 
have elapsed, since last a King of this country has 
been present in this ancient and loyal borough. My 
lamented brother, his late Majesty, who, where he 
was most known, was always best beloved, having, 
from the state of his health been unable to see so 

e 2 



20 

much of his subjects in this neighbourhood, as he 
otherwise undoubtedly would have done, it is gratify- 
ing- to me, in the station in which Providence has 
now placed me, to have an opportunity of so doing. 

" By a late arrangement, it has been provided, 
that whatever property any monarch of this country 
may purchase, shall, at his decease, if not otherwise 
disposed of by will, become the property of his 
successor. In this way the palace at Brighton, the 
property of his late Majesty, has come into the 
possession of the crown ; and it is particularly gra- 
tifying to me, connected and conversant as I have 
been from my early youth, with naval affairs, that 
this, which may be called a naval palace, should at 
my accession, have first become the property of the 
crown. 

" I have been so frequently in this neighbour- 
hood, and, in the former part of my life, spent so 
much time in this county, that I can never, at any 
period, consider myself a stranger in it, but as re- 
siding in a county to which I have been long and 
happily accustomed. Intending annually to live 
some considerable portion of time in it, I have com- 
manded that the Militia of the County shall bear in 
future the name of the Royal Sussex Militia; a 
name which I have great pleasure in bestowing, and 



21 

which is usual where a royal residence is for any 
length of time established. 

" I have always been attached to agricultural 
pursuits; and I need scarcely say to you, Gentle- 
men of Sussex, that this county is highly interesting 
to every lover of agriculture, not only from its 
productive soil, but from that excellent breed of 
sheep, which may perhaps be considered as the best 
which England produces. I consider the county of 
Sussex as one also of the best conducted, most loyal, 
and exemplary counties in the kingdom. 

" I feel great gratification, Gentlemen, in the 
visit which I am paying to this town. I accept 
with pleasure, the manifestations of loyalty and 
regard which have been made to me — and I 
conclude by wishes for the welfare of the Inhabi- 
tants, and by thanking you, and by drinking to your 
continuance in good health." 

The King, after a short pause, again spoke. 

" There is, Gentlemen, one point which I have 
passed over, but of which it was my intention to 
have taken notice. You have drank the health of her 
Majesty, the Queen, and in returning you my thanks, 
I meant to have done the same on her part also . 

"Among the many favourable circumstances under 
which providence has called me to ascend the 



22 

throne of this country, there is no one for which 
I feel more grateful, or on which I set a higher 
value, than that it was previously my happy fortune 
to marry an individual so excellent in every amiable 
and good feeling. In this country character finds 
its way forth into the world, and is always known ; 
I have no doubt, therefore, that you are already well 
aware of what I would say; but I must take the 
opportunity of speaking what I most sincerely am 
convinced of — that her Majesty, who sits before 
you, possesses every quality calculated to give 
worth and lustre to her exalted station. Of this I 
am satisfied also, that a great share of that good 
and kind feeling which has been so largely mani- 
fested towards me, since I have occupied the throne, 
has not only been due to her estimable qualities, but 
has strictly and truly been exhibited and paid on 
account of that sense which is entertained of them." 

This gracious speech was received with profound 
attention ; it was delivered in the most kind and 
impressive manner, his Majesty evidently feeling- 
most deeply every sentiment he uttered. The Queen 
appeared much interested at the commencement of 
his Majesty's address, and was visibly affected by 
the warmth of his Majesty's language in her praise. 

While at table, the King made the following 



23 

condescending - and gracious declaration to Sir John 
Shelley and Mr. Kemp, namely, " That had he known 
circumstances would so soon have permitted him 
to visit Lewes, he would not have received the late 
address of congratulation from the borough, through 
the secretary of state, but now in person, from the 
hands of the chief officers." His Majesty also was 
heard to remark, that his reception at Lewes formed 
an agreeable rehearsal of the Lord Mayor's festival, 
at which his Majesty was expected to attend on the 
following 9th of November.* 

The party soon after broke up, when Sir Henry 
Blackman (one of the oldest surviving knights of 
George the third,) fwas introduced to his Majesty, who 
entered into conversation with the venerable knight. 

Mrs. Wimble, the lady of the mansion, had the 



*■ His Majesty, as is well known, was prevented by untoward 
circumstances from fulfilling his gracious intention. Upon hearing 
of the disappoinment of the citizens, a gentleman of Lewes repeated 
the following 

Impromptu. 
When our good King to Lewes came, 

Then nothing turn'd out sinister ; 
And why ? — because he left behind 
His unreforming minister ! 

t Sir Henry Blackman was knighted, when serving the office of 
constable, in 1782, on the occasion of presenting an address from 
the borough, to his Majesty, George the third. 



24 

honor of being presented to the Queen : and Mr. 
Wimble was again introduced to the King, when 
his Majesty was pleased to accept of a painting of 
" The Friars." 

The magistrates, clergy, and gentlemen, who had 
been presented to his Majesty, took refreshment 
in the anti-room, where a dejeune had been provided 
for them through the liberality of the representatives 
of the borough. 

After remaining about an hour at the Friars, the 
royal party ascended their carriages, and proceeded 
slowly up School Hill and High Street, to the Castle 
gate-way. There is scarcely a spot in any town 
in the kingdom, from whence a procession can be 
seen to so much advantage as from the brow of 
School Hill, and from thence the spectacle was grand 
and imposing in the highest degree. A moving 
multitude covered the pavement; thousands of gaily 
dressed females were seen at the windows and 
balconies ; banners and flags were waving in every 
direction ; while the strains of music, and the 
cheers of the people, gave life and spirit to the scene. 
The royal carriages moved unimpeded along the 
centre of the street, so admirably were order and 
regularity maintained, even amidst the joyous enthu- 
siasm that prevailed. 



25 

Having reached the gate-way of the Castle, her 
Majesty, the Duke of Cambridge, and others of the 
royal party alighted; while his Majesty was driven 
to the County-hall, and descending from his carriage 
was conducted over the courts by Sir John Shelley, 
led by W. B. Landgridge, Esq. clerk of the peace, 
and attended by several of the magistrates. 

Her Majesty, taking Mr. Kemp's arm, was con- 
ducted to the summit of the western tower of the 
Castle, followed by the rest of the royal party. The 
venerable turrets of the eastern and western towers, 
were surmounted by national flags ; and on the leads 
of the eastern turret (in which their lodge is held,) the 
members of the South Saxon Lodge of Freemasons, 
clothed in the costume of their order, were placed, 
and whose cheers announced to the gazing crowds 
below, the arrival of her Majesty on the summit 
of the opposite tower. The Queen expressed herself 
highly gratified by the picturesque views of the 
British Channel, the South Downs, and of the Weald 
of Sussex, which that elevated station commanded, 
but still more by the appearance of the town with 
its spires and towers, decorated with splendid 
banners, and its streets, thronged with dense crowds 
of delighted spectators. 

On descending from the Castle, the Queen, accom- 

F 



26 

panied by the Duke of Cambridge, was introduced 
by Mr. Kemp to the Infant School, which is situated 
at the base of the mound on which the Castle stands. 
Her Majesty made many inquiries respecting the 
mode of teaching, and condescended to examine the 
needle-work performed by the girls, and the baskets 
manufactured by the boys ; equal interest was mani- 
fested in this admirable institution by the Duke of 
Cambridge, who expressed his warm approbation of 
the system upon which it was conducted. Upon 
leaving the school, her Majesty, accompanied by 
the Duke of Cambridge and Lady Shelley, was 
handed to her carriage by Mr. Kemp ; and the rest 
of the royal party having ascended their carriages, 
proceeded to the County-hall, and joined his Ma- 
jesty in the grand ball-room. 

After a short stay, the illustrious visitors again 
resumed their carriages, and, preceded by the Lewes 
band, the South Saxon Lodge of Freemasons, and 
several of the benefit societies with colours flying, 
headed by the members of the borough, and the chief 
officers en horseback, moved slowly up the High 
Street to the western boundary of the town : here 
the societies opened their files, the band struck 
up the national air, and their Majesties departed, 
amidst the deafening cheers of an almost count- 



27 

less throng of loyal and affectionate subjects. The 
royal cortege proceeded to the palace at Brighton, 
where it arrived soon after five o'clock. 

Upon the departure of the royal visitors, the 
societies again formed, and, conducted by the chief 
officers, paraded the High Street, and passing round 
Cliffe church, proceeded up East Street to the Theatre, 
Where the senior constable addressed them, thanking 
them for their exemplary conduct, requesting them 
to return to their respective club-houses, and inform- 
ing them that the officers of the borough would wait 
on them in the evening, to express the thanks of 
their Majesties, for the loyalty and affection which 
they had displayed. 

This was indeed, as one of the journals remarked,* 
" a proud day for Lewes, one that conferred unmixed 
pleasure on thousands, and will never be forgotten 
by the people ; and the recollection of which, accord- 
ing to his Majesty's own gracious declaration, will 
not easily be erased from the royal mind." But there 
was one important feature in the proceedings of this 
day, to which no allusion has been made, and which 
is yet, perhaps, without a parallel in this or any 
other country; it was one too, which, as we gazed 

* The Brighton Guardian. 
F 2 



28 

on the glorious pageant assembled before the Friars, 
struck us as the most gratifying imaginable to a 
patriotic mind, and made us feel proud of being the 
natives of such a town, and the subjects of such a 
King — it was the entire absence of the military ; with 
the exception of Colonel Downman, C.B. of Laughton, 
near Lewes, aid-de-camp to his Majesty, (but who 
attended on this occasion as a country gentleman,) 
not an officer nor soldier was seen in Lewes, during 
their Majesties' visit. 

We cannot refrain from mentioning that the 
regulations of the day were such as did honour to 
the committee and the town, and that great praise 
was due to Mr. Harry Winton, who marshalled the 
procession; not a single accident, nor the slightest 
disturbance or confusion occurred. 

In the evening, Sir John and Lady Shelley, and 
Mr. Kemp, had the honour of dining with their 
Majesties, at the palace at Brighton, when the King 
was graciously pleased to express the high gratifi- 
cation he had experienced, from his visit to the 
ancient and loyal borough of Lewes. 



A sketch of the royal entree into Lewes was taken 
by Mr. Archer, by whom an oil painting (ten feet by 



29 

seven) is in preparation, and in which portraits of 
the royal visitors, and of the principal persons who 
were present, are introduced. The time chosen is 
when his Majesty, accompanied by Lady Shelley, 
ascended the steps at the Friars, and was received 
by the members, and chief officers. It is expected 
that this picture, which promises to possess great 
merit, will be purchased by the magistrates, and 
placed in the assembly-room of the County-hall. 

And further to commemorate the royal visit, the 
inhabitants have resolved to purchase a silver goblet, 
which is to be filled at the annual civic feast, for the 
purpose of drinking their Majesties' health. On one 
side, the royal arms are to be placed, and on the 
other those of Lewes, with an appropriate inscription. 
The proprietor of the Friars, Nehemiah Wimble, 
Esq. in commemoration of the visit of their Majesties 
to his mansion, has obtained the grant of an addition 
to his arms of a Lion of England, borne in chief. — 
See Sussex Genealogies, p. 379. 



THE VISIT 



OF 



HENRY THE THIRD, 



TO 



LEWES, 

ON THE 11th OF MAY, 1264. 



The reign of Henry III. exhibited a constant struggle 
between the King and his barons ; the former endea- 
vouring to extend, and the latter to controul, the 
royal prerogative. Arms were repeatedly appealed 
to, and although the result of a battle often led to 
treaties, which were ratified in the most solemn 
manner, yet these were violated upon the most 
frivolous pretences. The country was a prey to 
anarchy, and civil war, with its attendant horrors, 
raged from one end of the kingdom to the other. Of 
the sanguinary conflicts which occurred at this event- 
ful period, there is no one more celebrated than that 



31 

which took place, in the immediate vicinity of Lewes, 
on Wednesday, the 14th of May, 1264 ; and it was 
on the Sunday immediately preceding this important 
battle, that the royal visit was made, which it is our 
present purpose to describe. 

As our narrrative refers to an event which hap- 
pened nearly six centuries ago, we must endeavour 
to bring to our imagination, the scene which Lewes 
and its suburbs presented at that remote era. Instead 
of the elegant modern town, with its venerable ruins, 
an extensive and impregnable castle, surmounted the 
heights, frowning in feudal grandeur on the vale 
below. The town consisted of irregular streets with 
thatched houses and cottages of massive, but rude 
architecture, and better calculated for strength and 
durability, than for comfort or convenience. A 
strong wall, with castellated gateways, surrounded 
the town, and was defended on the east, north, an,cl 
south, by a deep and wide ditch. The environs 
presented such a character as the imperfect agricul- 
ture of the period could impart to a district, which 
consisted of an extensive marshy plain, and of chalk 
hills, destitute of wood. The glens and valleys were 
covered with coppices and brushwood, except where 
tracts of land had been cleared by the hand of the 
husbandman, and converted into orchards and corn- 



32 

fields. The plain, through which the river wound its 
way to the sea, was inundated during the greater 
part of the year; and the town of the Cliffe being 
but little elevated above the surface of the water, 
was exposed to occasional floods. 

Without the walls of the town, several religious 
edifices were seen ; of these the most important were 
the monastery of Friars Minors, or Grey Friars, near 
the east gate, and the magnificent priory of Saint 
Pancras, in Southover. The scite of the former is 
now occupied by the mansion ealled " The Friars," 
and all the land between the river and the east gate 
of the borough, was within its precincts; that of 
the latter is sufficiently indicated by the ivy-covered 
ruins which still remain : it was situated in the 
parish of Southover, and its walls encompassed an 
area of many acres. The Priory of St. Pancras was 
founded soon after the Conquest, by William de 
Warren, Earl of Surrey, who had married Gundred, 
the fourth daughter of the Conqueror ; and it was 
richly endowed by him and his successors. It was 
the chief house of the Cluniac order, in England, 
and possessed all the privileges which the credulous 
piety of its patrons could bestow. The austerity 
and severe discipline maintained therein rendered it 
so celebrated, that the most distinguished families 



33 

in the kingdom chose it for their cemetery ; and 
Gundred,* and William de Warren, were interred 
within its consecrated walls. 



" Within that sacred fane, when life was o'er, 
And its vain pageantry had pass'd away, 

And solemn requiems dust to dust restore, 
The body, shrouding in its parent clay, 

The holy monk, and sleeping warrior, lay 
There, side by side, in sad tranquillity." 



Of this magnificent pile, the ruins, which are still 
standing, convey no adequate idea ; it belonged to 
the same period as Battle Abbey, and the remains 
of the gate-way, and the fragments of columns, 
capitals, arches, &c. that have been occasionally 
dug up, denote a similar style of architecture. From 
the almost perennial inundation of the neighbouring- 
plain, the Priory domains were oftentimes insulated, 
and hence the upland on which the Priory was 
built, was called " The Island." In the valley which 
separates the gentle ridge on which the village of 
Southover and the Priory are situated, from the 
southern wall of the town, the beautiful stream that 

* The monumental inscription of Gundred still remains, and may 
be seen in the vestry-room of Southover church. — Vide Horsfield's 
History of Lewes, vol. i. page 116. 

G 



34 

arises at Ashcombe, and passes by Winterbourn, 
pursues its course towards the river, flowing near 
the Cistercian Priory, (now " The Friars") before it 
empties itself into the Ouse. 

Such was the landscape which Lewes and its 
suburbs presented at the time of our narrative. The 
castle was then in the possession of John de Warren, 
the seventh earl, and his banner of cheeky, or, and 
azure, was seen waving over its battlements ; it was 
well garrisoned, and the town itself was in a state 
of complete defence. 

It was on Sunday, the 11th of May, 1264, that 
King Henry, who had arrived the day previously at 
Seaford, after an ineffectual attempt to obtain the 
co-operation of the Cinque Ports, marched with his 
army to Lewes, to join the forces of the Earl de 
Warren. John de Avignon, the Prior of St. Pancras, 
upon hearing of the King's intention, immediately 
caused preparations to be made for receiving his 
Majesty, with all the pomp and grandeur which a 
prelate of the thirteenth century could display. At 
the entrance of the village of Southover, the King 
was met by the Earl de Warren and his retainers, 
and a procession of monks, headed by the Prior, 
welcomed the monarch to the Priory of St. Pancras. 
The King was accompanied by his son, Prince 



35 

Edward, his brother Richard the King of the 
Romans, the Earls of Pembroke and Warwick, and 
a splendid escort of knights, and others of inferior 
note. The gallant Prince Edward proceeded to the 
Castle with the Earl de Warren, where he was re- 
ceived amidst the shouts of the soldiery and of the 
inhabitants of the town. But these rejoicings were 
not unmixed with melancholy forebodings, for it was 
well known that the forces of the barons, under the 
command of the celebrated Simon de Montfort, Earl 
of Leicester, had closely followed the royal army, 
and the inhabitants of Lewes could not but appre- 
hend that their town might become a scene of 
carnage and desolation. 

Scarcely had Henry arrived within the walls of 
the Priory, when a letter was brought from the 
barons, in which they professed attachment to his 
royal person, and earnestly implored him to dismiss 
his evil counsellors, and restore peace to the country, 
by confirming the charter granted by his prede- 
cessor. On the following day, Monday, Henry 
returned an intemperate answer to the barons, 
refusing compliance with their demands, and re- 
quiring their unconditional submission. 

On Tuesday, a deputation from the Barons, con- 
sisting of the Bishops of London and Worcester, 

g2 



36 

arrived at the Priory, and proffered the King a sum 
of money equal to a million of the present currency, 
as an indemnification for the injuries which the 
royal demesnes had suffered, if he would but faith- 
fully observe the provisions of Oxford, which he 
had already sworn to maintain. These proposals 
were, however, indignantly rejected by the monarch, 
and the bishops returned to the confederated barons, 
who had advanced with their army as far as Fletching 
Common, about eight miles from Lewes. 

After considerable deliberation, the barons re- 
solved, notwithstanding the inferiority of their 
numbers, to give battle to the royal army ; and 
early on the following morning , Wednesday, the 
14th of May, marched towards Lewes, and, ascend- 
ing the Downs by the steep and narrow pathways, 
or hostels, near Westmeston and Plumpton, mar- 
shalled their army on the elevated plain, about three 
miles to the north west of Lewes. The patriot 
army arrived at so early an hour, that the royalists 
were sleeping in their tents ; but, according to the 
honourable custom of that chivalrous age, no ad- 
vantage was taken of the rashness of the enemy, 
but messengers were despatched by the barons to 
give notice of their approach in terms of defiance. 
Upon receiving this intelligence, the royal army 



37 

prepared for the contest with all the alacrity which 
the most deadly animosity could inspire. The forces 
of the King, commanded by Henry in person, sup- 
ported by Prince Edward and the King of the 
Romans, marched up, in high spirits, from Lewes 
and Southover ; the royal standard bearing a dragon, 
the device of the West Saxon princes. 

It would occupy too much space to describe the 
battle which ensued ; it is sufficient for our present 
purpose to mention that it took place on the Downs 
near the race-course, and terminated in the total 
defeat of the royal army* The King, with a few 
of his followers, took refuge in the Priory ; the King 
of the Romans fled to a mill, which stood on the 
banks of the stream, near Water-gate Lane, where 
he was discovered and taken prisoner ; while Prince 
Edward, with the remains of the division of the 
army under his command, and which had alone 
maintained any discipline, after an ineffectual attempt 
to relieve the garrison in the castle, joined his royal 
father in the Priory. The Earl de Warren, and 
others of the nobles, sought for safety in flight. 

* A most interesting and detailed account of the battle is given 
by Mr. Horsfield, in the History of Lewes, vol. i. page 142, et scq. 
The summit of the hill, near which the battle was fought, still 
retains the name of Mount Harry. 



38 

The victorious barons pursued the fugitives to the 
town, which they entered at the west gate, and 
attempted to storm the castle, but its strength bid 
defiance to their attacks. A dreadful slaughter now 
took place in the streets; and as the private build- 
ings were, for the most part, thatched with straw, 
some of them were set on fire by the greek-balls, in 
use at that period to hurl on the besiegers, and Lewes 
presented a scene of horror, which even at this 
distant period, it is melancholy to contemplate. 
The approach of night alone put an end to the work 
of slaughter. The victorious barons encamped their 
army near the town : of the royal forces, with the 
exception of the division under the Prince, and 
the troops in the castle, all were either slain, or had 
escaped beyond the reach of their pursuers. On 
this fatal day, the number that fell exceeded five 
thousand, of which by far the greater part belonged 
to the royalists. 

The Earl of Leicester, still anxious to put an end 
to the miseries of his distracted country, despatched, 
during the night, a deputation of the Friars Minors, 
with pacific overtures to the King. The following- 
day, Thursday, was occupied in deliberations ; and 
on Friday, the celebrated treaty called the Mise of 
Lewes was executed, which gave a temporary repose 



39 

to the kingdom, and placed the King, and his son, in 
the power of the confederated barons. The remainder 
of this day was passed in friendly intercourse between 
the soldiery of both parties, and the inhabitants ; and 
the prisoners were liberated without ransom. On 
Saturday, Henry dismissed all his followers, and 
probably left the Priory on that day, with the 
patriot army. 

Having thus briefly noticed the principal circum- 
stances attendant on the memorable visit of Henry 
III. to Lewes, it may be interesting, before we close 
this narrative, to review the events that occurred 
on each day of the monarch's sojourn at the Priory. 

Sunday, May 11th, 1264. The King, with Prince 
Edward, and the King of the Romans, many of the 
nobility, and a numerous staff, clad in armour, with 
banners flying, march into Sout hover. The Earl de 
Warren, with a splendid suite, meets his Sovereign, 
and attends the royal party to the Priory. At the 
entrance of the sacred edifice, the venerable Prior, in 
pontificals, at the head of his monks, clad in the cos- 
tume of their order, receives the King, who, reve- 
rently saluting the holy brethren, passes into the 
Priory, amidst the acclamations of the crowd ; every 
spot commanding a view of the imposing spectacle, 
being thronged with persons of all classes from the 



40 

town. Prince Edward accompanies the Earl de 
Warren to the castle ; the massive gates are thrown 
open ; the portcullis is drawn up ; and the gallant 
Prince is received with cheers by the garrison, and 
the inhabitants of Lewes. The forces of the King- 
encamp without the walls of the town. On this day 
the King- receives a letter from the barons, and 
learns that the patriot army is proceeding; towards 
Lewes. 

Monday, May 12th. The King returns an unfa- 
vourable reply to the insurgents ; and in Lewes, and 
the royal camp, the greatest anxiety prevails, from 
the expectation of a renewal of hostilities. 

Tuesday, May 13th. The bishops of London and 
Worcester, with their attendants, repair to the Priory, 
and are admitted to an audience of the King ; they 
bear pacific overtures from the barons, but these 
are indignantly rejected, and the patriotic prelates 
return to the confederated nobles, who have advanced 
as far as Fletching Common. The bishops commu- 
nicate the result of their embassy to the Earl of 
Leicester, in the presence of his brethren in arms ; 
the barons hold a council, and resolve on an attack 
upon the royal army at Lewes. 

Wednesday, May 14th. At break of day the 
patriot army, commanded by Leicester, is seen drawn 



41 

up in battle array on Plumpton Plain ; while the 
royalists, unconscious of the near approach of the 
enemy, are slumbering in their tents. A message of 
defiance from the barons announces the unexpected 
intelligence, and the utmost activity succeeds the 
scene of stillness and repose. In a short space of 
time the king, mounted on a charger, issues from the 
gates of the Priory, and is received by a splendid 
escort of warriors, in armour; the Prince, King of 
the Romans, and many nobles, join the monarch, 
who, at the head of his army, with the royal banner 
waving near him, marches up from Southover to the 
field of battle. So soon as the royal forces arrive 
on the hill, and the necessary arrangements are 
made, the work of slaughter begins, and the turf is 
covered with the dying and the dead. Ere long 
some of the royal army are perceived flying from the 
scene of carnage towards the town, pursued by the 
patriots, who are distinguishable by a white cross on 
their breast-plates. 

' ' Forth from trie field in tumult driven, 
Like chaff before the wind of heaven, 

The archery appear. 
For life ! for life ! their flight they ply, 
And shriek, and shout, and battle cry, 

Are maddening in the rear : 
Onward they drive, in dreadful race. 
Pursuers and pursued." 

h Lady of the Lake. 



42 

The rout of the royalists soon becomes general ; the 
conflict extends to the town ; the streets are deluged 
with blood ; and the young, and the aged, and the 
infirm, are alike, indiscriminately, slaughtered. — 
Flames, at length, burst forth in various parts of the 
town ; and the scene of horror continues till night 
comes on, and wraps in obscurity the horrid spec- 
tacle. The King, with much difficulty, escapes to 
the Priory, where he is afterwards joined by the 
Prince. The King of the Romans, and other leaders 
of the royal army, fall into the hands of the barons. 
The Priory is set on fire by the victorious party, 
but is extinguished by the exertions of its inmates. 
On the evening of this eventful day, the army of the 
barons is encamped near the town : a garrison of 
royalists holds possession of the castle ; and the 
remainder of Prince Edward's division is quartered 
in the Priory. The town itself exhibits a dreadful 
spectacle ; a great part is destroyed by the flames : 
heaps of dead are lying in every street ; and in all 
parts are heard the groans of the dying, mingled 
with the lamentations of the survivors ; for scarcely 
a family in the town but has to mourn the loss of 
its dearest relatives. During the night, two of the 
friars from the Cistercian Priory are deputed by 
Montfort, to proceed to the King, and offer terms 
of accommodation. 



43 

Thursday, May 15th. An armistice is concluded 
between the King; and the barons, and the day is 
spent in negociations. The population of the town 
and neighbouring- villages is actively employed in 
burying the dead, and affording assistance to the 
wounded. At the priory, the solemn ceremony, 
prescribed by the Catholic ritual for the repose of 
the dead, is performed, for the souls of those who 
were slain in the battle. 

Friday, May 16th. The ratification of the treaty 
of peace between Henry and the barons, called the 
Mise of Lewes, is made known, to the great joy 
of the people at large. The soldiers of both parties 
mix together, indiscriminately, in the town, and all 
feelings of animosity appear to be extinguished. 

Saturday, May 17th. The King leaves the Priory; 
and, with the exception of Prince Edward, the King 
of the Romans, and a few of his immediate atten- 
dants, not one of the gallant army that accompanied 
him on his entrance into Lewes, attends him at his 
departure. He arrived a victor ; he departs, if not 
in name, yet in reality, a prisoner to his revolted 
subjects. But the result of the visit of King Henry 
was of incalculable advantage to the country, and its 
beneficial effects are still felt : for, to the success of 

h 2 



44 



the confederated barons, at the battle of Lewes, " we 
owe the first summons of knights, citizens, and bur- 
gesses to parliament, as representatives of the 
general body of the people." 



•.LoFCi 



ON THE 



ROYAL VISITS TO LEWES, 



IN 



1264 and 1830. 



'Midst steel-clad warriors, and the din of arms, 

King HENRY sought Saint Pancras' holy pile ; 
But not that sacred fane from war's alarms 

Was free ; nor chaunt, nor anthem could beguile 
The fears that lurk'd beneath the monarch's smile, 

For Montfort's band of patriots, brave and free, 
Was near, — and Henry knew his bondsmen vile, 

But ill could brook the blaze of liberty, 
Which England, glorious Isle ! was bursting forth in thee ! 



Goddess of Freedom ! then thy spirit rose 

Triumphant o'er the prostrate tyrant's might : 
And Montfort's gallant ranks pursued thy foes, 

Till prince and slave in ignominious flight, 
Or sought for safety in the castle's height, 

Or to the sanct'ry of the abbey fled ; 
While Lewes, blazing through the shades of night. 

Deluged with blood by hostile brethren shed, 
Saw in a despot's cause, her noblest 'midst the dead ! 



46 



But that is past — and happier days arise, 

And see our WILLIAM 'midst his subjects stand ! 
Nor sword, nor spear, nor slaughter's modern guise 

Is there — but round Him throngs a countless band 
Of Lewes freemen, joined in heart and hand, 

Their patriot King to hail with loud acclaim ; 
There too the pride and glory of the land, 

Fair ADELAIDE is seen, whose gentle name, 
With every virtue crown'd, in vain would shrink from fame. 



Castle Place, 

March, 1831. 



THE END. 



Printed by J. Unwin, White Lion Com I, Cornliill, 






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